GOODWELL, Okla. – Unlike in their season-opener when Wayland Baptist rallied in the second half to win, this time the Pioneers were the ones with the upper hand trying to fend off an opponent. They almost got it done, but WBU wound up falling to Bethany College (Kan.) on Friday afternoon in the Mazzio's Classic, 75-68 in overtime.
Wayland, taking the court just 14 hours after winning their season-opener over Randall University, 71-68, led by nine at halftime, 34-25, after a late 3-pointer by
Josh Servantez.
The Pioneers surrendered the lead with 14½ minutes left in the second half, and the Swedes went up by as many as six. But Wayland fought back and were able to force overtime…and almost win it.
WBU's Jaxon Reecer tied it with two free throws with 31 seconds left, then after
Jibrael Washington blocked a shot, the Pioneers raced to the other end with time ticking down. But
Dylan McDougal's layup was swatted away at the last second, and the teams headed to OT.
The Pioneers never led in the extra period after Bethany – which won its season-opener over host Oklahoma-Panhandle State on Thursday, 80-65 – scored the first six points. The Swedes went up eight, then a 3-pointer by Bensaleh with 24 seconds left gave Wayland hope. But Bethany's Zack Fields made two foul shots with 16 ticks to go to ice it.
Thad Udoh, after getting a career-high 29 points and nine rebounds Thursday, again led Wayland with 20 points and five boards. Udoh hit 10-of-11 field goals, although the rest of the team went just 14-of-43 (33 percent).
Jordan Brannon added 15 points for the Pioneers, who were unable to overcome 19 turnovers, nine more than Bethany.
Solomon Clayton paced the Swedes with 29 points. He was 10-of-14 from the field as Bethany shot 50 percent as a team (30-of-60).
On Thursday against Randall, Wayland got clutch play down the stretch by several players. A 3-point play by
Gage Hulse broke a 63-63 tie with two minutes to play. Hulse hit a layup with a minute to go then sank another free throw with 33 seconds left to make it a four-point game. Randall missed a 3-pointer, then Brannon made a pair of free throws with 12 seonds left to make it a 3-point game. Randall missed a 3-pointer that was rebounded by Bensaleh.
Wayland makes its home debut at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2 in an exhibition game against Dallas Christian College.
